Light trap for insects

ABSTRACT

Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface or on a ceiling surface. The wall-mounted housing forms an upwardly facing opening for facilitating entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. The ceiling-mounted housing has a lateral opening for facilitating entry of pests and for reflection of light onto the ceiling and/or opposite wall. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on an adhesive surface within the trap. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.08/000,264, filed Jan. 4, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,690, dated Nov.22, 1994.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an illuminated trap adapted to attractflying insects and immobilize the insect within a trap housing. The trapuses a source of attractant light in combination with a preferredenclosure or housing configuration to increase the capture rate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A number of flying insect traps using attractant light sourceshave been proposed in the prior art. However, the prior art traps haveutilized a light source which is exposed and therefore directly viewed.The Insect-O-Cutor fly traps made by I-O-C use an exposed bulb with ahigh voltage electrocuting system. Pickens and Thimijan disclose exposedUV-emitting light sources and electrified grids for trapping andelectrocuting flying insects.

[0004] Another trap system generally uses frontally or horizontallyexposed ultraviolet black lights for attracting insects to the trap. Inthe trap the insect lands on an electric grid in the rear of thecabinet. The grid provides a low voltage pulse that causes the insect tofly down onto a nontoxic adhesive trapping board. The captured insectcan then be disposed of with the removable adhesive sheet. Grothaus etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,126, discloses an exposed bulb adhesive trap.Lazzeroni, Sr. et al., U.S. Design Pat. No. 325,954, discloses agenerally front-facing, exposed bulb trap. Aiello et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,959,923, is related to Lazzeroni, Sr. et al., U.S. Design Pat. No.325,954. The Aiello device uses pulsed electricity to stun insects,coupled with an adhesive trap and an ultraviolet light source.Similarly, Gilbert insect light traps use exposed bulbs and generallyfront facing entry spaces for fly trapping purposes. Hollingsworth andHartstack, Jr. disclose data relating to the efficiency of variouscomponents of exposed bulb fly traps.

[0005] Larkin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,501, and the ARP Venus Flylite™system disclose the use of an attractant light source. The light sourceand its housing are hinged on a wall attachment means such that the unitis movable between two positions. In the first position or verticalmode, the light source is parallel to the vertical surface and is placedat an angle of 90° to the horizontal surface. In this so-called“invisible mode”, used during business hours, the trap is designed tokeep the operational components of the fly trap out of sight. Whenplaced in the second position, the fly trap is in a “turbo” mode whereinthe light source and housing are perpendicular to the vertical surfaceand horizontal to the floor (or at an angle greater than 90° to thevertical surface). This turbo position exposes the light directly toview, which is asserted to increase insect attraction.

[0006] White, U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,822, discloses a flying insect unitcomprising a rectangular housing enclosing a light source and anadhesive trapping surface. The housing components are either parallel toor perpendicular to the vertical mounting surface. The White unit isdesigned for entry of the insects through a bottom opening.

[0007] In our work modeling light attractant fly traps, we have foundthat the geometry of these prior art light traps neither displays theattractant light to the maximum advantage, nor exhibits the best designfor optimizing entry of the insects. Another difficulty with prior artdesigns is that they are unattractive and/or too large for mounting inmany locations. In most situations, it is undesirable for people torealize that an insect trap is in operation, especially in restaurantsettings. However, many of the prior art designs are so large andunattractive that the presence of the insect trap is noticed.Furthermore, it is often difficult for the user to find a convenient andunobtrusive location for the prior art insect traps, particularly whenit is necessary to supply electric power to the trap.

[0008] The insect trap of the present invention is designed to addressmany of the difficulties present with prior insect trapping devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a trap for insect pests, comprising asource of insect attractant light, and a housing which surrounds thelight source except for an opening on one side. A method of utilizingthe insect trap is another aspect of the invention. The trap is mountedsuch that the light source cannot be directly viewed, because the lightsource does not extend beyond the housing walls. In one configuration,the insect trap is mounted to a vertical, planar surface, such as awall. In another configuration, the insect trap is mounted to ahorizontal, planar surface such as a ceiling, floor or shelf.

[0010] The trap's housing includes a base surface and an angled surface.The angled surface of the wall-mounted trap is preferably less than 90°,and most preferably about 45°-75°, from the bottom base surface.

[0011] The insect trap includes an insect immobilization means. In oneembodiment, the immobilization means is positioned within the trap'shousing, and the dead insects are captured within the housing. Theimmobilization surface is preferably a removable adhesive sheet.Alternatively, the immobilization surface may be a pesticide, amechanical trap, a liquid trap, or an electric grid.

[0012] In another embodiment, the insect immobilization means comprisesan insecticide which is applied to a surface inside and/or outside theinsect trap. The insects are attracted to the treated surface because ofthe trap's effective display of attractant light. With the latterembodiment, the insect contacts or ingests the insecticide and dieselsewhere at a later point in time.

[0013] We have found that the geometry of the insect trap's housing canenhance capture rates. That is, an open entry area, and an angledreflective surface, cooperate with the source of attractant light tosubstantially increase capture rates. The angled walls of the fly traphousing provide an open entryway for the walking or flying entrance ofinsect pests. Preferably, the angled walls of the insect trap housing,or the housing's interior reflective surface, falls within the range of2-88° with respect to the base surface of the trap. The walls of theinsect trap housing may be either planar or curved.

[0014] The insect trap provides direct radiation of light, as well asreflection and diffusion of the attractant light from the light sourceonto the vertical surface and/or ceiling surface. This produces a lightdisplay which effectively and efficiently attracts insects. In thepreferred embodiment, the insect trap includes an optional reflectionmeans such as a shiny metallic surface.

[0015] Whereas prior art traps have sought to attract insects by directexposure of the light source, the insect trap of the present inventioninstead hides the light source from view. With the present invention,the light is directed toward a nearby surface, which creates anillumination area upon the projection surface. This illumination area isaesthetically pleasing, yet effective in attracting and trapping insectpests. We have further found that a color contrast between the verticalsurface, and the exterior of the adjacent fly trap's housing, alsoserves to increase capture rates.

[0016] An advantage of the present invention is its effectiveness incapturing flying insects. Insects are of concern in any setting, butparticularly in restaurants, cafeterias, and other settings in whichfood is present. The insect trap unobtrusively captures insects, withoutemitting any sound or odor. The enhanced capture rates are experiencedeven with the smaller-sized preferred embodiments of the insect trap.Although one skilled in the art would suspect that a smaller insect trapand correspondingly smaller entry opening would drastically reduce thecapture rates, we have discovered that the capture rates for the smallersized units are much higher than expected.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is its aestheticallypleasing design. When mounted upon a wall, the insect trap's housing andthe associated illumination zone create an aesthetically pleasingappearance similar to a decorative wall sconce. When mounted upon theceiling, the insect trap is essentially out of sight and not noticeable.Indeed, the device does not look like an insect trap, so restaurantpatrons and others are not aware of its actual purpose.

[0018] Yet another advantage of the present invention is its ease ofuse. The trap can be readily mounted to a wall, ceiling, or othersuitable surface. The trap needs to be checked only occasionally fordisposal of insects and replacement of the immobilization means. In oneembodiment, the insect trap's housing is pivotally mounted upon thewall, ceiling, or other support surface. This feature facilitatessubstitution of the insect immobilization surface, replacement ofburned-out light bulbs, and routine maintenance and cleaning of theapparatus.

[0019] These features, along with other advantages, will becomesubsequently apparent, based on the details of construction andoperation as more fully described hereinafter, reference being made tothe accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the insecttrap, showing the cooperative association of the light source, thehousing, the reflective surface, the immobilization surface and themounting means.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side elevational, cross sectional view of the insecttrap shown in FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective, schematic view of the insect trap andassociated light display.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora first, large-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora second, medium-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora third, small-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the ninth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0035]FIGS. 16A and 16B are photographs of the second embodiment of theInsect Trap, depicting the illumination zone produced by a insect trapof the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment, takenalong line 17-17 of FIG. 9.

[0037]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh embodiment,taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 14.

[0038]FIG. 19 is a side view of the thirteenth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the thirteenth embodiment of theinsect trap.

[0040]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a fourteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0041]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a fifthteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0042]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a sixteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0043]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a seventeenthembodiment of the insect trap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The first embodiment of the insect trap is indicated generally at5 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The insect trap 5 comprises a housing 11 operativelyattached to a light source 16, an insect immobilization surface 12, anda mounting means 10. In the preferred embodiment, the insect trap 5 ismounted upon a vertical, planar surface, such as a wall 20. (Thereference numeral 20 designates both the wall which is enclosed by theinsect trap 5, and the wall surrounding the trap 5). The insect trap'shousing 11 has a pair of opposite side walls 25, between which extends afront wall 26. The housing walls 25, 26 may have relatively smallcutouts or openings therein (not shown).

[0045] The walls 25, 26 of the housing 11 define an upwardly directedopening 27. The opening 27 facilitates the walking or flying entry ofinsect pests. The insect trap 5 also includes a bottom wall 29. Thebottom wall 29 is preferably horizontal, and it has a continuous surfacewhich contains no apertures. In the preferred embodiment, the edges ofthe fly trap 5 adjacent to the vertical surface 20 are configured tomatch the vertical surface 20. The trap's housing 11 encloses theillumination source 16 on three sides, and the vertical surface 20completes the enclosure. Alternatively, the trap's housing 11 couldentirely enclose the illumination source 16, with the housing's rearwall (not shown) resting against the wall 20.

[0046] Light from the light source 16 radiates and reflects directlyfrom the upwardly facing opening 27 of the trap 5 into a space generallyabove the trap 5 and onto wall surface 20 and ceiling surface (not shownin FIG. 1) above the trap 5. The wall and/or ceiling areas which receivethe light are referred to herein as the projection surface. When thetrap 5 is mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall 20, it can bemounted at virtually any height. Preferably, the insect trap 5 of theinvention is installed in a location which is at or above eye level. Theillumination source 16 is located near the top of the trap 5, inside thehousing 11 and adjacent to the vertical surface 20.

[0047] The light source 16 useful in the fly trap 5 of the inventioncomprises a source of ultraviolet light. Such light sources are commonlyincandescent or fluorescent electrically driven light sources that canemit a broad spectrum of wavelengths but are primarily optimized to emitultraviolet light. For the purposes of this invention, ultraviolet lightcomprises radiation having wavelengths that have been found to attractflying insect species, between about 4000 Å and 400 Å. The light sourcescommonly provide from about 0.5 to about 100 watts of light output;preferably, the lights provide from about 0.5 to about 75 watts.Preferred light sources 16 are fluorescent bulbs having from about oneto about forty watts per tube unit. The trap 5 can use a single sourceor two or more sources horizontally or vertically arranged in thehousing 11. The optimum light source needed to create an effectiveillumination zone for insect attractancy will depend upon the size andconfiguration of the trap housing and/or reflective surfaces, thewattage of the illumination source(s), and the degree to which the lightis focused upon the projection surface.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 16 may consist of apair of horizontal fluorescent lamps, one of which is mounted above theother in a parallel relationship. In the preferred embodiment, the lightbulbs 16 are both mounted so as to be below the upper edge 71 of thehousing 11. The light source 16 is therefore substantially enclosedwithin the housing 11. In this manner, the insect trap 5 is mounted suchthat the illumination unit 16 is not visible from eye level for peoplein the vicinity of the insect trap 5. The illumination source 16 can bedirectly viewed only by looking downwardly into the insect trap 5. Thelight units 16 can be designed for service or household power or forbattery power using electronic conversion circuits adapted to drive thelight source. The light source 16 can be mounted within the housing 11with standard plug-in units. Preferably, the illumination units 16 arefluorescent ultraviolet sources in sockets 17 that are commonly attachedto household or service power.

[0049] The illumination source 16 can be mounted directly on the housing11 or can be mounted on the vertical surface 20 surrounded by thehousing 11. Preferably, the light source 16 is mounted on a bracket 30attached to the wall 20. The bracket 30 can be positioned in any portionof the housing 11, but it preferably supports the light source 16proximate the vertical surface 20. The light source 16 is therebypositioned optimally to direct a substantial proportion of the radiatedenergy onto the reflective surface.

[0050] The “reflective surface” can be any surface which reflects orthrows back light. In the insect trap 5 shown in FIG. 1, the reflectivesurface is the interior surface of the front wall 26, the interiorsurface of the side walls 25, the planar surface 20, and the ceiling(not shown). The light is reflected from the trap's angled reflectivesurfaces and onto the vertical projection surface. The projectionsurface is the surface which receives the reflected and/or radiatedlight from the light source. The projection surface may be a wall,ceiling, floor, column, etc.

[0051] The reflective surface may be located at a variety of places withrespect to the light's position. That is, the light source 16 can beabove the highest projecting portion of the reflective surface, can beat approximately the same height as the reflective surface, or can besubstantially below the high point of the reflective surface.

[0052] The insect trap's housing 11 can be manufactured in a variety ofways. The trap 5 can be molded as a single piece from thermoplasticmaterials or can be assembled from flat or substantially planarcomponents that are attached by commonly available fasteners to form theangled side walls 25 and the flat bottom 29. Once the housing 11 isassembled, the mounting hardware 10 attached to the housing 11, and theappropriate immobilization surface and light source 16 can be installed.The insect trap 5 of the invention can be hardwired in place, can beempowered using electrical cords, or can have batteries installed atavailable locations in the housing. The housing 11 is preferably madefrom commonly available structural materials including thermoplasticssuch as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate; metallicmaterials such as aluminum, magnesium or related alloys; wood or woodproducts; reinforced thermoplastics or thermosetting materials;paperboard, pressed paperboard, corrugated paperboard, and others.

[0053] The first embodiment of the insect trap 5 also contains an insectimmobilization means. For the purpose of this invention, the term“insect immobilization means” includes any device, surface or materialthat can cause the insect to die, or which prevents the insect fromexiting the insect trap 5 after entry. Such immobilization means caninclude pesticides in the form of a surface, layer or trap; active andpassive mechanical traps; liquid traps into which the flies becomeimmersed; adhesive layers; pressure sensitive adhesive layers; high orlow, D.C. or pulsed voltage electric grids; or other such means that cantrap, immobilize, kill or dismember the insect pests.

[0054] A preferred immobilization means for the purpose of thisinvention comprises an adhesive surface 12. The most preferred surfacecomprises a highly tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive substance 12 whichis attached to a cardboard base. One useful adhesive is a latex-based,plasticized tacky acrylic, ethylene-vinyl acetate or vinyl acetate basedadhesive containing UV-inhibitors made by the H.B. Fuller Company of St.Paul, Minn. Another useful adhesive is the Tangletrap adhesive made bythe Tanglefoot Company. Such an adhesive surface 12, installed withinthe housing 11 below the light source 16, is positioned such that when aflying insect enters through the top opening 27, the insect will come torest directly on the adhesive surface 12. In the preferred embodiment,the pressure-sensitive, adhesive surface 12 is positioned upon theinsect trap's bottom wall 29, below the light source 16 and opposite theupwardly facing opening 27. However, it is to be understood that theimmobilization means 12 could be positioned at any other place withinthe insect trap 5. The immobilization surface and the immobilized insectpests should not be visible to persons in the vicinity of the insecttrap 5 when the insect trap is in its normal operating position. Anelectrical ballast (not shown) can be placed in the housing 11 beneaththe adhesive 12.

[0055] A portion of the housing 11 in FIG. 1 is cut away for purposes ofillustration, to show the dead insects upon the immobilization means 12.In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive sheet 12 is removable anddisposable, and a fresh sheet 12 is installed within the insect trap 5at appropriate intervals.

[0056] The immobilization surface 12 preferably extends across a portionof the bottom 29 or across the entire area of the bottom of the lighttrap 5. The immobilization surface also may be located on the walls 25,26 of the housing 11 and/or on the wall surface 20. In the preferredembodiment, the immobilization surface is a sheet of pressure-sensitiveadhesive 12. The adhesive board is changed periodically, as needed.Clear or pigmented white adhesives can be used to cooperate with thecolor of the reflecting surfaces of the angled housing walls 25, 26 toaid in directing reflected light onto the vertical surface 20. Theadhesive surface 12 could be fluted rather than flat, so as to increasethe available surface area for immobilizing the insects.

[0057] The trap 5 of this invention may include an optional insectattractant chemical. Insect attractant chemicals are typically organicmaterial that are at least somewhat volatile and are products arisingfrom typical insect food sources or are a pheromone or a mixtures ofpheromones. In the preferred embodiment, an insect attractant chemicalis incorporated into the adhesive which is utilized on the adhesivestrip 12. The chemical is preferably an oil-based food odorant or apheromone.

[0058] The insect trap 5 may also utilize an effective amount of aninsecticide. A variety of volatile and non-volatile insecticides andformulated insecticide compositions are known to be effective againstflying insects, and most can be used. However, the preferredinsecticides for use with this invention are nonvolatile formulatedinsecticide compositions that kill insect pests after contact. Suchnonvolatile pesticide compositions are not released into the environmentsurrounding the fly trap 5. Such materials include pyrethroid andorganophosphate insecticide compositions. The insecticide may be sprayedwithin the insect trap 5, and/or on the nearby projection surface. Thatis, the insect trap 5 could project light onto a wall or otherprojection surface, with that surface having an insecticide appliedthereon. After coming into contact with the insecticide, we have foundthat some of the insects would thereafter fly within the trap housing 11to die, while other insects would contact or ingest the insecticide, flyaround, and expire elsewhere.

[0059] The upwardly facing opening 27 of the insect trap 5 can invitemisuse in the form of materials or objects being thrown into theopening. In order to protect the trap 5 from such problems, a barrier tosuch misuse which does not prevent the entry of insects, and which doesnot interfere with the direct or reflected radiation of light from thetrap, can be installed on the upwardly facing opening 27. Such a barriermust substantially maximize the open area of the upwardly facing opening27 and provide a minimal entry barrier. The grid or screen (not shown)should have openings large enough to permit entry of insects but smallenough to exclude objects that are thrown or otherwise directed into theupwardly facing opening. Such a screen or grid can be made from avariety of materials including transparent or opaque materials. Suchmaterials include metallic wires, synthetic or naturally occurring fiberthreads, thermoplastic grids, expanded metal, wire screens, etc. In thepreferred embodiment, the grid is constructed to have openings which areat least approximately four square inches in area.

[0060] Preferably, the trap 5 is mounted directly on a vertical surface20 or ceiling surface, as depicted in the various Drawings.Alternatively, the trap 5 could be positioned adjacent a wall 20. Forexample, the trap 5 could be placed upon a shelf or table which is closeenough to the projection surface to create an illumination zone.Additionally, the trap could be mounted upon a portable support stand,so that insect trap apparatus would look similar to a conventional floorlamp.

[0061] Correct placement of the trap with respect to the projectionsurface increases insect capture through direct radiation of light andreflection of light onto the projection surface. The insect trap 5 isplaced adjacent the projection surface at a distance such that lightfrom the trap is radiated onto and/or reflected onto the verticalsurface 20 and/or the ceiling surface. The first embodiment of the trap5 is preferably wall mounted and placed within 30-50 inches of theceiling surface. Preferably, the interior of the trap 5 is white oranother light color, in order to increase the attractant light displaythat is produced.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment, an optional, additional shinyreflection means 28 can be utilized so as to optimize the attractantillumination created by the insect trap 5. In the first embodiment, theshiny reflection layer 28 preferably extends across the interior of thefront wall 26 of the trap's housing 11, as shown in FIG. 2. Thereflection layer is thus at the same angle as the angle of the frontwall 26.

[0063] The shiny reflection layer 28 can be made from metallic surfacessuch as aluminum foil, metallized polyester bright-white reflectedpanels, silvered glass mirrors or other related reflective surfaces. Theshiny reflection layer 28 may be positioned anywhere within the interiorof the insect trap 5, such as along the interior of the side walls 25and/or front wall 26, and/or along the planar surface 20. In addition,the shiny reflection layer 28 could be positioned on the bottom wall 29of the housing 11. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, theshiny reflection layer 28 is positioned upon the interior surfaces ofthe front wall 26, and it comprises an aluminum foil or metallizedpolyester surface.

[0064] The shiny reflection layer may also be a separate surface that isinstalled within the insect trap at an angle other than the angle of thehousing's wall. In other words, the front wall 26 of the housing 11could be at any arbitrary angle with respect to other housing componentsas long as the shiny reflection layer's internal surface is positionedat the desired angle. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 17, andis described below.

[0065] The color of the trap's housing 11 contrasts with the color ofthe adjacent vertical surface 20, so as to aid in increasing capturerates. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior walls of the housing 11are a tan color or darker, and the surrounding wall 20 is white.Alternatively, the insect trap 5 could be a white color, with theadjacent wall 20 being a tan color or darker.

[0066] The trap's mounting means can be any suitable mechanical systemthat can support the weight of the trap 5 and that can maintain theupwardly open entryway 27. The trap 5 can be fixed in place using avariety of mounting hardware such as screws, bolts, nails, clips,flanges, etc., or can be temporarily placed in the proper position usingVelcro fasteners, pressure sensitive adhesive pads, rubber feet, etc. Asan example, the mounting means 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprisesa bracket and screw device. The housing 11 can contain a flange, tab orhook that attaches to vertical surface 20 by means of fasteners such asscrews, nails, permanent structural adhesives, Velcro fasteners, etc.Additionally, the fly trap 5 can be suspended from the ceiling so as torest against the vertical surface 20 via suspending straps, cables,chains, etc. Alternatively, the attachment means can comprise anaperture in the housing 11 that permits the fly trap 5 to hang oncooperative hooks, protrusions or other suspension points on thevertical surface 20. The important characteristic of the mounting meansis that the trap 5 should be securely mounted on the vertical surface 20such that the vertical surface 20 receives a display of direct, diffusedand/or reflective light from the trap 5 in order to attract insects andincrease capture rates.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment, the base surface 29 is a separatepiece from the rest of the housing 11. The front and side walls 26, 25form an integral shroud 27. The shroud 27 has rear edges 72 which restagainst the wall 20 when the insect trap 5 is in operation. The basesurface 29 is mounted to the wall 20 in a permanent horizontal position.The rest of the housing 11 is pivotally mounted upon the bracket 30, sothat the shroud 27 can be moved upwardly into a position wherein theupper edges 71 of the housing 11 rest against the wall 20. In thisposition the interior components of the insect trap 5 are exposed. Thisfacilitates replacement of the adhesive surface 12, and replacement ofthe light sources 16.

[0068] The reflecting surfaces of the insect trap 5 should have acertain preferred geometry. The housings in the prior art havereflecting surfaces which have some capacity for insect attractancy, butthe prior art has primarily relied upon direct exposure to a light bulbto attract insects. We have found that direct exposure of the light isnot necessary for insect attractancy, and that an improved geometry ofthe housing can substantially and surprisingly increase the attractancyof flying insect pests.

[0069] The first, second, and third embodiments of the trap all have thesame configuration, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, each of theembodiments has a different size, as specified below. The first, secondand third embodiments, the insect trap 5 has an upwardly facing opening27 and walls 25, 26 positioned at an angle α to the base surface of lessthan 90°. The angle is measured with respect to an extension line 95from the base surface 29; thus, when an angle is said to be with respectto the base surface, it is intended to mean with respect to the basesurface extension line which extends outwardly from the wall 20 andparallel to the base surface 29. The angle a is shown in FIG. 2. Theattractancy of such insect traps increases when the angle α is less than90°, and the attractancy peaks at an angle α of 45-75°, most preferablyabout 60° between the reflecting surface and the base surface extensionline 95 of the insect trap 5.

[0070] The first, second and third embodiments of the trap each hasplanar housing walls 25, 26. However, the housing walls can be planar orcurved. The angled surface can be the housing's front wall, and/or itsside walls. Such a slanted or curved reflective surface reflects anddisplays the light from the light source 16 on the vertical mountingsurface 20 and/or on the ceiling in a highly effective pattern that cansubstantially increase attractancy and capture rates. The curvatureand/or slant to the housing's wall(s) results in an increased capturerate. This increase in attractancy results partially from the increasedsize of the entry opening 27, and also because the angle of thehousing's reflective surface facilitates the optimum display ofattractant light. The sloped or curved housing walls also tend toprevent insects from simply walking around the outside of the trap.

[0071]FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are schematic views of the illumination zonescreated upon the wall by the insect trap. In these drawings, the wall 20is the projection surface. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an insect trap,showing the illuminated light footprint 32 which is created. We havefound that insects are atrracted to the illumination zone 32 and thatmany insects initially alight upon the illumination zone before enteringthe insect trap. We have also found that a larger porportion of insectsalight on the bright zone 36 than on the remainder of the illuminationzone 32.

[0072]FIG. 3 is intended to represent any of the three embodiments 5, 33or 34. FIG. 4 illustrates the first, large embodiment 5; FIG. 5illustrates the second, mid-sized embodiment 33; and FIG. 6 illustratesthe third, small embodiment 34. Each insect trap 5, 33, 34 creates anillumination zone 32 on the wall 20 or projection surface. Theillumination zone is generally above the trap. (The trap 5 may alsocreate an illumination zone on the ceiling, but this is not illustratedin FIGS. 3-6 for purposes of clarification.) Part of the illuminationzone 32 is discernible as being a “bright zone” 36. The bright zone 36is the area on the wall where the light is most pronounced andnoticeable. Although FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a clear boundary 73defining the bright zone 36, the boundary of the bright zone issubjectively defined, because the light is brightest near the insecttrap and then diminishes gradually until no further light orillumination zone 32 can be discerned. The appearance of the bright zone36 and the illumination zone 32 is more accurately depicted in thephotographs of FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16A is a photograph of the secondembodiment of the insect trap and its illumination zone. FIG. 16B showsthe same view, but it is marked up to show the subjective boundary 73 ofthe bright zone 36. As is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a reduction in theinsect trap's size results in a reduced size of the illumination zone32.

[0073] The following Table 1 shows the dimensions of the three trapsillustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The first embodiment is shown in FIG. 4; thesecond embodiment is shown in FIG. 5; and the third embodiment is shownin FIG. 6. TABLE 1 Size of Dimension of Dimension of First Second ThirdEdge Embodiment Embodiment Embodiment a 25.25 in. 19.10 in. 9.69 in. b15.25 in. 11.53 in. 5.82 in. c 12.00 in. 9.07 in. 4.50 in. d 10.25 in.7.76 in. 3.91 in. e 10.50 in. 7.94 in. 4.01 in. f 4.25 in. 3.21 in. 1.62in. Area of entry 258.8 in.² 148.2 in.² 37.9 in.² opening (ad)

[0074] The smaller sized insect traps 33 and 34 are advantageous becausethey can be positioned in a wider variety of locations as compared tothe first embodiment. Also, the smaller size makes these traps 33, 34relatively inconspicuous, which does not detract from the room'sinterior design features. Moreover, the smaller size allows for a directplug-in to an electrical outlet, thereby eliminating the need for a cordor allowing the use of a short cord. In the preferred embodiments 33,34, one or two nine-watt fluorescent bulbs may be utilized as the lightsource 16. The bulbs are approximately five inches in length, therebyallowing the insect trap 34 to be relatively compact.

[0075] The housing 11 of the trap can take a variety of shapes. Theinsect trap can be generally circular, oval, ellipsoidal, can be anextended shape having parallel sides and either rectilinear or curvedends, the trap can be triangular, square or rectangular, hexagonal,octagonal, etc. However, each trap configuration preferably has one ormore angled reflective surfaces for optimum reflection of light onto theprojection surface.

[0076] FIGS. 7-15 illustrate alternative embodiments of wall-mountedinsect traps of the present invention. These alternative embodimentsemploy various housing designs. Each housing is intended to be mountedto a wall or other vertical, planar surface. Each of the traps in FIGS.7-15 also includes a light source and mounting means, although theseelements are not illustrated for purposes of clarification.

[0077]FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment 37 of the insect's trap.The insect trap 37 has a rounded shape which is similar to a quarter ofa sphere. The interior, reflective surface is concave when viewed fromthe wall 20. The insect trap 37 has a substantially horizontal bottomsurface 47. The angle of curvature of the insect trap 37 (with respectto the horizontal) varies gradually between 0° at its bottom end toapproximately 90° at the upper edge of the housing. Because the insecttrap's housing is curved, the angle of curvature may be determined withreference to a tangent line taken along some point of the housing, withrespect to a horizontal extension line like the extension line 95illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0078]FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment 38 of the present invention.The insect trap 38 has a plurality of housing sections 48, 49, 50. Eachhousing section has a somewhat rounded shape which extends around toenclose the light source laterally. The interior reflective surface ofeach section 48, 49, 50 is concave when viewed from the wall 20. Thebottom section 50 has a bottom wall (not shown) which is substantiallyhorizontal. In the preferred embodiment, each of the sections 48, 49, 50is slanted outwardly from the wall, so that the angle of each section48, 49, 50 with respect to the horizontal base is less than 90°.

[0079]FIGS. 9 and 17 illustrate a sixth embodiment 39 of the insecttrap. The insect trap 39 is shaped like half of a cylinder, and theinsect trap 39 has a horizontal bottom surface 51. With the design ofinsect trap 39, the angle of the housing 52 with respect to thehorizontal base surface is approximately 90°. FIGS. 9 and 17 illustratethe use of a separate, planar reflective surface 76 which is at an angleα with respect to the horizontal base surface. The reflective surface 76may have an optional shiny layer thereon (not shown). The reflectivesurface 76 may have a curved configuration and/or may consist of severalangled surfaces.

[0080] A seventh embodiment 40 of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.10. The insect trap 40 has a front, triangular shaped wall 53, on eitherside of which is a side wall 54, 55. The side walls 54, 55 are slantedin a “V” configuration. The angle of the front wall 53, with respect tothe horizontal is 90° or less. With this design, the immobilizationmeans may consist of a V-shaped adhesive sheet positioned proximate thecenter of the trap 40. Alternatively, a separate, horizontal surface(not shown) for support of the adhesive sheet may be provided.

[0081] An eighth embodiment 41 of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.11. The insect trap 41 has a front wall 56 which curves outwardly fromthe vertical surface upon which the insect trap 41 is mounted. Theinsect trap 41 has a pair of side walls 57, 58 which also curveoutwardly, and a base 59. The interior, reflective surfaces of the walls56, 57, 58 are convex as viewed from the wall 20. With the insect trap41, the tangent curvature of the front wall 56 with respect to thehorizontal base surface 59 ranges from approximately 90° at the bottomend of the front wall 56 to approximately 60° proximate the upper edgeof the front wall 56.

[0082] The ninth embodiment 42 of the insect trap shown in FIG. 12 issomewhat similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11. However, theinsect trap 42 features a front wall 60 and side wall 61, 62 which havea continuous, planar surface, rather than convex surface. Each of thewalls 60, 61, 62 slants outwardly with respect to the planar surface 20upon which the insect trap 42 is mounted. In the preferred embodiment,the angle of the surfaces 60, 61, 62 is less than 90° with respect tothe horizontal base. The upper edge of the front wall 60 preferably hasa curved or domed configuration as shown in the drawing.

[0083]FIG. 13 illustrates a tenth embodiment 43 of the presentinvention. With this design, the insect trap's housing 63 is shaped likehalf of a cone. The bottom of the insect trap 43 terminates in a point74. With this embodiment, the angle of the conical housing wall withrespect to the horizontal is preferably approximately 45-75°.

[0084]FIGS. 14 and 18 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention, which is somewhat similar to the sixth embodiment illustratedin FIG. 9. The housing 64 of the insect trap 44 curves gradually outwardproximate the upper portion of the insect trap 44. The inner reflectivesurface of the housing 64 is convex proximate its upper edge. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, the front wall 64 has a gradual curvature, whichmay be measured by creating a tangent line 78 at an arbitrary point 79along the front wall 64. Preferably, the angles of the tangent linesproximate the upper portion of the wall 64 are less than 90° withrespect to the horizontal, and more preferably approximately 30°-75°with respect to the horizontal. The tangent line's angle is the anglebetween the tangent line and the horizontal, and this angle isdesignated as x in FIG. 18.

[0085]FIG. 15 illustrates a twelfth embodiment 65 of the presentinvention, which features a front wall 70 having a pair of slanted,inverted panels, and which has a pair of side walls 67, 68. The insecttrap 65 has an upwardly directed opening 75, but may also have anoptional bottom opening 69. With the insect trap 65, the angle of thefront wall's upper panel 66 with respect to the horizontal isapproximately 60°.

[0086] For the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-18, it is to beunderstood that they have all the features described in detail withrespect to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. That is, each of theembodiments illustrated in FIG. 7-18 has a light source, mounting means,optional shiny layer, immobilization means, optional insect attractantchemical, optional insecticide, etc. Although each of the embodimentsshown in FIG. 7-18 is mounted directly to a vertical surface 20, it isto be understood that each of the traps could be mounted so as to bespaced away from the projection surface. In addition, each of the insecttraps could be mounted upon a portable or stationery support member.Each insect trap could also be mounted proximate the floor, preferablybehind another structure so that people would not be looking downwardlyinto the trap's upper opening.

[0087] The insect trap of the present invention could also be mountedupon a ceiling. FIGS. 19-24 show exemplary embodiments of an insect trapwhich is mounted to the ceiling 83, rather than to the wall 20.Referring to FIGS. 19-20, the thirteenth embodiment of the insect trap80 has a housing with side walls 86, a back wall 87 and bottom wall 84.The insect trap 80 may also have an upper wall, or the ceiling itself 83may form the upper wall of the insect trap's enclosure. The walls 86, 84form a lateral opening 82, which allows for the walking or flying entryof insect pests.

[0088] The insect trap 80 has one or more light sources 84 which arecontained within the insect trap's housing. The light source 84 directsillumination from the opening 82, thereby creating an illumination zoneon the ceiling 83 and/or on the wall 20, as shown in FIG. 17. Theillumination zone is effective in attracting insects into the trap 80.As noted above, the insects tend to alight initially on the illuminationzone. Further, we have found that flies alight on both the wallillumination zone and the ceiling illumination zone. The insect trap 80contains insect immobilization means, preferably an adhesive sheet whichis mounted to a vertical support member 85. Preferably, the insect trap80 is mounted within 50 inches of the wall surface 20. The insect trap80 is held on the ceiling by suitable mounting means (not shown).Preferably, the bottom wall 84 is angled downwardly, as illustrated inFIG. 17. The angle y of the wall 84 is preferably less thatn 90° fromthe base surface, and more preferably approximately 30°-75° from thebase surface. This angle is designated as y. When stating that the angley is with respect to the base surface, the angle y is with respect tothe base surface extension line 96. The extension line 96 is a verticalline if the base surface is vertical. The insect trap 80 may contain anoptional shiny reflective layer, insecticide, a chemical insectattractant, and the other features described above with respect to theother embodiments. Furthermore, the size and shape of theceiling-mounted trap 80 can be varied in many different ways, asillustrated above with respect to the wall-mounted units.

[0089] A fourteenth embodiment of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.21. The insect trap 88 is mounted upon the ceiling 83 such that there isa lateral opening 89 which faces the wall 20. The housing 90 of theinsect trap 88 has a curved configuration like a quarter of a sphere,similar to the fourth, wall-mounted embodiment. The light source for theinsect trap 88 is a pair of ultraviolet lamps 91, which are mountedsuitably to the housing 90 or ceiling 83. A ballast compartment 92 isprovided. The interior of the housing 88 has a removable, shinyreflection layer 93, which has an adhesive coating 94.

[0090] A fifteenth embodiment of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.22. The insect trap 97 has a lateral opening 89, which is formed by ahousing 98. The housing 98 has a vertical base surface 99, bounded by abottom wall 100 and a pair of side walls (not shown). The rectangularconfiguration of the housing 98 forms an angle y of 90 degrees, i.e.,the angle of the base surface extension line 101 with respect to thebottom wall 100. The interior of the bottom wall 100 supports a shinyreflection means 103. The vertical base surface 99 has an immobilizationmeans thereon, preferably an adhesive sheet 102.

[0091]FIG. 23 illustrates a sixteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. A portion of the insect trap 104 is mounted in a rectangularrecess 105 formed in the ceiling 83. The upper portion of the recess 105accommodates the trap's ballast compartment 92. Also within the recess105 are a pair of light sources 91. The housing 110 of the insect trap104 has a horizontal upper wall 106, a vertical base surface 107, and anangled bottom wall 108. The insect trap 104 is also bounded by a pair ofside walls (not shown). A shiny reflective layer 109 is applied to allof the housing's interior surfaces. The interior of the bottom wall 108has a suitable immobilization means, such as an adhesive sheet 111. Theangle y of the bottom wall 111 with respect to the base surface 107 ispreferably less than 90 degrees, and most preferably approximately 45-75degrees.

[0092] The seventeenth embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 24. The insect trap 112 has a housing 113 whichforms a lateral opening 89. The housing has a vertical base surface 116,an angled bottom surface 117, and a pair of side walls (not shown). Inthis embodiment, the angle y of the bottom surface with respect to thebase surface is greater than 90 degrees. The interior of the basesurface 116 has a shiny refection layer 115, and the interior of thebottom wall 117 has a suitable immobilization means, such as an adhesivesheet 114.

[0093] As with the wall-mounted insect traps depicted above, theillustrated ceiling mounted embodiments are exemplary only, and changescan be made as to the configuration and placement of the insect trap'svarious components.

Experimental Section

[0094] In the development of the insect traps of the invention, asubstantial body of work was conducted to discover the insect trapgeometry that would provide peak capture rates for flying insects. Wefound that insect pests enter the trap either by alighting on the walland/or the ceiling, and then entering the trap by walking; or by flyingdirectly into the insect trap and alighting on the first availablesurface. We have found that using either mode of entry, the most likelydirection of entry will be downward vertically into an upwardly facingopening, or horizontally into a lateral opening. Accordingly, we havefound that it is highly desirable to avoid placing any substantialbarrier in the flying insect trap that would prevent such entry. Thelight sources should not be substantially obscured by any portion of thehousing. Any grid or screen installed in the housing should have minimalbarrier properties. Further, in wall-mounted illuminated traps, we havefound that there is a substantial increase in capture rates if thereflective surface in the trap is not fixed at an angle that is parallelor perpendicular to the vertical mounting surface. We have found thatsuch a configuration substantially reduces the efficiency of theattractant light because the light is not adequately displayed to theinsects. We have also found that bare light sources, while they arebright, do not attract the insects as well as a combination of directradiated light and a diffused display of reflective light on thevertical surface and/or ceiling surface. We have also found that the useof a contrasting color, generally a darker color, for the exterior ofthe trap housing, as compared to the color of the vertical surface,increases capture rates.

[0095] In conducting capture rate experiments, the fly traps of theinvention are installed in an appropriate location in a room havingwhite walls and ceiling, 50% relative humidity, a temperature of 80° F.,insect food, competing fluorescent lights, and a density ofapproximately one fly per each 10 cubic feet of room space. This densityequals 160 flies being released into the room at the outset of eachexperiment. The fly density was optimized to reduce statistical noise inexperimental results. The mean data represent the mean number of fliescaptured per each one half hour. A prototype trap was installed in theexperimental room in order to determine the impact on capture ratesresulting from trap modification including the opening of the trapfacing in a variety of directions. Traps were installed with openingsupwardly directed, downwardly directed and horizontally directed.Statistically significant differences between the upwardly “open”configuration and all other configurations which are called “closed”were found (Table 2). The “closed” configuration indicates a trap havinga bottom or side (horizontally directed) opening. The use of an upwardlyfacing opening had a strong increase on mean capture rates and resultedin greater than a 40% increase in fly capture rates when a trap havingan upwardly facing opening was installed on a vertical surface. The“control” experiment in the following tables comprises a flat bottomhousing for supporting the adhesive, but having no side walls tosurround the exposed bulbs. TABLE 2 Top Entry Configuration ReplicatesMean* Std. Dev. Open 12 23.083 6.067 Closed 12 16.417 5.017 Control  422.000 4.163

[0096] Experiments were also conducted to determine the best angle atwhich a reflective surface is to be placed. Tables 2 and 3 show thehousing geometry that was used in an insect trap having the design shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. The “housing angle” α is the angle between thehousing's planar front wall 26 and the horizontal surface 95. With the“control” configuration, there were no front or side walls, i.e., therewas merely a horizontal base surface and an exposed bulb. These datashow that direct exposure of the light source is not necessary foreffective insect attractancy, and in fact, the creation of anillumination zone upon the projection surface is more effectiveattracting insects. The capture rate experienced with the reflectingsurfaces at 30 degree or 60 degree angles are significantly better thana 90 degree surface. TABLE 3 Housing Angle α Replicates Mean* Std. Dev.Control 3 15.3 6.7 (Zero Degree) Thirty Degr. 3 17.3 3.5 Sixty Degr. 319.7 2.5 Ninety Degr. 3 12.3 3.1

[0097] TABLE 4 Housing Angle Replicates Mean* Std. Dev. Thirty Degr. 1218.0 5.3 Sixty Degr. 12 23.6 5.9

[0098] The date a Table 4 shoe that the 60° surface is significantlybetter (by 31%) than the 30° surface in increased capture rates.

[0099] Table 5 displays mean capture rates measured in flies per halfhour and shows that a contrasting dark color significantly increases thecapture rates for the fly trap installations. In these experiments, thewalls and ceilings were white, and the trap's housing was either whiteor tan. These data show that significantly more insects (greater than34%) are attracted to a contrasting color in the housing exterior. TABLE5 Trap Color Replicates Mean Std. Dev. White 27 19.4 5.4 Tan 12 26.0 5.8

[0100] Further experiments were done to compare the effect of theinstallation of the shiny metallized polyester (Mylar) reflectionsurface within the housing with the effect of a substantiallynon-reflecting, black surface. The results of the experiment are shownbelow in Table 6. TABLE 6 Interior Housing Surface Replicates Mean Std.Dev. Black¹ 13 18.6 5.6 Metallized Mylar² 13 23.5 7.5

[0101] Our experimentation shown in Table 6 demonstrates a substantialincrease in capture rates when a shiny reflection surface is installedwithin the housing. The metallized Mylar surface we have used shows asubstantial increase (by 26%) in capture rates when compared to a black,non-reflective surface. The capture rates resulting from the use of ablack surface is an indication that the direct radiation of light fromthe light source through the upwardly facing opening has a substantialattractant effect.

[0102] An experiment was also conducted to determine the effect on catchrates of different sizes of traps. Three different sized insect trapswere tested, having the linear dimensions a-f shown in Table 1 above.The first embodiment is the large insect trap 5, the second embodimentis the mid-sized trap 33, and the third embodiment is the small trap 34.A single, nine watt UV bulb 35 was utilized as the light source in eachtrap, and the bulb 35 was horizontally mounted beneath the upper edge ofthe trap's housing. The room had normal illumination provided by ceilingfixtures. Each insect trap was wall-mounted. The experiment wasconducted nine times to arrive at the below insect catch rates. The sizeof the illumination zone was determined by marking the apparentillumination boundary on the wall, and then measuring the illuminatedwall area. Table 1 sets forth the dimensions for the first, second andthird embodiments of the insect traps. TABLE 7 First Second ThirdArea/Catch Embodiment Embodiment Embodiment Area of entry 258.8 in.²148.2 in.² 37.9 in.² opening (ad) Area of full 1593 in.² 821 in.² 339in.² illumination zone Flies caught 13.00 (9) 16.44 (9) 10.70 (9) per ½hour

[0103] The general expectation would be a significant reduction incapture rates for the smaller units. More specifically, one would expectthat as the area of the entry opening decreases, and as the area of theillumination zone decreases, the capture rate would decreaseproportionately. One would also expect that as the size of theillumination zone decreases, the capture rate would decreaseproportionately. However, our experiments have shown that the smallersized units' capture rates are higher than expected.

[0104] The improvement in the catch rate for the second embodiment was121% (i.e., the actual catch rate as compared to the expected catch ratebased upon the relative sizes of the entry openings) and 145% (i.e. theactual catch rate as compared to the expected catch rate based upon therelative sizes of the illumination zones).

[0105] The improvement in the catch rate for the third embodiment was466% (i.e., the actual rate as compared to the expected catch rate basedupon the relative sizes of the entry openings) and 282% (i.e., theactual catch rate as compared to the expected catch rate based upon therelative sizes of the illumination zones). To summarize, thesmaller-sized traps 33, 34 showed a reduced catch rate as opposed to thelarge trap 5, but the catch rate for the smaller units 33, 34 wassignificantly higher than expected.

[0106] As discussed above, a smaller insect trap is desirable forreasons of aesthetics and convenience of placement. The above data showsthat the smaller units, even the third embodiment having an entryopening of only 38 square inches, effectively capture a large number ofinsects. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present inventionwould have an entry opening of less than approximately 175 squareinches.

[0107] An experiment was also conducted to determine the relativeeffectiveness of a wall-mounted insect trap and a ceiling-mounted insecttrap. For this experiment, the first embodiment of the insect's trap wasutilized, being mounted first on a vertical wall, and then being mountedupon a horizontal ceiling. Two twenty-five watt UV bulbs were utilizedas the light source in the trap, and the bulb was horizontally mountedwithin each trap's housing. The room had normal illumination provided byceiling fixtures. The experiment was conducted with only one trapmounted in the room at a time. The experiment was conducted two timesfor each unit. To begin the experiment, 160 flies were released into theroom (i.e., one fly per ten cubic feet). Some of those flies died on thefloor, and a few flies escaped out of the room. The immobilization meansutilized in each unit was an adhesive sheet: a horizontal adhesive sheetin the wall-mounted unit, and a vertical sheet in the ceiling-mountedunit. TABLE 8 Embodiment Average number of flies caught Wall-mountedtrap 122.5 Ceiling-mounted trap 137.0

[0108] These data illustrate that the wall-mounted trap andceiling-mounted trap are approximately equal in their effectiveness incatching insects. The difference in the average number of flies caughtby each unit was not considered to be a statistically significant.

[0109] While the above specification, data and figures provide a basisfor understanding the advantages of using the disclosed geometry inilluminated insect traps, many embodiments of the invention can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure herein. Forthat reason, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. A trap for insect pests, comprising: a) a source of insectattractant light; b) a housing having an opening for entry of the pests,said opening having an area of less than approximately 175 squareinches, said housing surrounding said source such that said sourcecannot be directly viewed when said trap is mounted on a planar surface,said housing including: (i) a base surface, and (ii) an angled surface,said angled surface having a tangent at an angle of less than 90° fromsaid base surface, wherein an interior portion of said angled surface isa reflective surface which directs light from the source and onto saidvertical planar surface; and c) insect immobilization means within saidhousing, wherein said trap creates an illumination area upon a surfaceproximate said housing for attraction of said insects.
 2. The trap ofclaim 1, wherein said angled surface has a curved configuration.
 3. Thetrap of claim 1, further comprising a grid positioned upon said opening.4. The trap of claim 1, wherein said angled surface comprises a frontwall.
 5. The trap of claim 1, wherein an exterior color of said housingis different than a color of said planar surface.
 6. The trap of claim1, wherein said insect immobilization means comprises an adhesivesurface.
 7. The trap of claim 6, wherein said adhesive surface ispositioned upon said base surface.
 8. The trap of claim 6, wherein saidadhesive surface is adhered to said vertical planar surface.
 9. The trapof claim 1, further comprising shiny reflection means, said reflectionmeans being located within said housing.
 10. The trap of claim 9,wherein said shiny reflection means comprises a metallic surface. 11.The trap of claim 9, wherein said shiny reflection means comprises ametallized polyester.
 12. The trap of claim 9, wherein said shinyreflection means comprises a glass surface.
 13. The trap of claim 9,wherein said shiny reflection means is positioned at an angle which isdifferent from said angle of said tangent of said angled surface. 14.The trap of claim 13, wherein said angled surface has a tangent at anangle of about 45°-75° from an angle of said base surface.
 15. The trapof claim 1, wherein the insect immobilization means comprises a lethalsurface.
 16. The trap of claim 1, wherein the trap additionallycomprises an insect attractant.
 17. The trap of claim 16, wherein theattractant comprises a pheromone.
 18. The trap of claim 17, wherein saidattractant is contained within said immobilization means.
 19. The trapof claim 15, wherein the insect immobilization surface comprises anelectrified surface lethal to the insect.
 20. The trap of claim 4,wherein a volume of said trap is less than approximately 1000 cubicinches.
 21. The trap of claim 20, wherein an area of said planar surfacecovered by said trap is less than approximately 130 square inches. 22.The trap of claim 21, wherein a maximum linear dimension of said housingis less than approximately twenty inches.
 23. The trap of claim 1,wherein said housing is mounted upon a wall.
 24. The trap of claim 1,wherein said housing is mounted upon a ceiling.
 25. The trap of claim24, wherein said trap creates an illumination zone on said ceiling andon a wall opposite said entry opening.
 26. The trap of claim 25, whereinsaid angled surface has a curved configuration.
 27. The trap of claim25, wherein said insect immobilization means comprises an adhesivesurface.
 28. The trap of claim 25, further comprising shiny reflectionmeans, said reflection means being located within said housing.
 29. Thetrap of claim 25, wherein an insecticide is applied proximate saidillumination zone.
 30. The trap of claim 1, wherein said trap isportable.
 31. A trap for insect pests, comprising: a) a housing mountedupon a wall, said housing including a base surface and an oppositeupwardly facing opening, said housing including a reflective surfacewhich has a tangent angle of less than 90° with respect to an angle ofsaid base surface, wherein said upwardly facing opening has an area ofless than approximately 175 square inches; b) an insect immobilizationsurface including an adhesive; c) a source of insect attractant light,wherein the housing is configured such that when said housing is mountedon said wall and said source cannot be directly viewed, said reflectivesurface reflects light from said source and onto said wall above saidtrap; and d) shiny reflection means, said reflection means being locatedwithin said housing.
 32. The trap of claim 31, wherein at least aportion of said reflective surface has a curved configuration.
 33. Thetrap of claim 31, further comprising a grid positioned upon saidupwardly facing opening, wherein said grid includes a plurality ofopenings which are at least approximately four square inches in area.34. The trap of claim 31, wherein an exterior color of said housing isdifferent than a color of said wall.
 35. The trap of claim 34, whereinsaid insect immobilization surface is positioned upon said wall.
 36. Thetrap of claim 31, wherein said shiny reflection means comprises ametallic surface.
 37. The trap of claim 31, wherein said shinyreflection means comprises a metallized polyester.
 38. The trap of claim31, wherein said shiny reflection means comprises a glass surface. 39.The trap of claim 31, wherein said shiny reflection means is positionedat an angle which is different from said angle of said tangent of saidreflective surface.
 40. The trap of claim 31, wherein the insectimmobilization surface comprises a lethal surface.
 41. The trap of claim31, further comprising an insect attractant.
 42. The trap of claim 41,wherein said insect attractant is contained within said adhesive. 43.The trap of claim 40, wherein the insect immobilization surfacecomprises an electrified surface lethal to the insect.
 44. The trap ofclaim 31, wherein said reflective surface has a tangent at an angle ofabout 45°-75° from said base surface.
 45. A method of catching insects,comprising: a) providing the insect trap of claim 31; b) pivoting saidinsect trap from a first position wherein a rear edge of said housingabuts said wall to a second position wherein a top edge of said housingabuts said wall; and c) replacing said immobilization surface when saidsurface becomes substantially covered with insects.
 46. The trap ofclaim 32, wherein said curved configuration is convex when viewed fromsaid wall.
 47. The trap of claim 32, wherein said curved configurationis concave when viewed from said wall.
 48. The trap of claim 31, whereinsaid base surface is a continuous horizontal surface.
 49. The trap ofclaim 32, wherein a bottom portion of said housing terminates in apoint.
 50. The trap of claim 31, wherein said housing comprises a pairof opposite angled side walls which terminate in a common edge at abottom portion of said trap.
 51. The trap of claim 31, wherein said trapcreates an illumination zone which is less than approximately 1000square inches in area.
 52. The trap of claim 31, wherein a volume ofsaid trap is less than approximately 1000 cubic inches.
 53. The trap ofclaim 52, further comprising an opening in said base surface.
 54. Thetrap of claim 52, wherein an area of said vertical planar surfacecovered by said trap is less than approximately 130 square inches. 55.The trap of claim 52, wherein a maximum linear direction of said housingis less than approximately twenty inches.
 56. A trap for insect pests,comprising: a) a housing mounted on a ceiling, said housing including alateral opening and a base surface, said housing including a reflectivesurface; b) an adhesive sheet which is removably positioned within saidhousing; c) a source of insect attractant light, wherein the housing isconfigured such that when said housing is mounted on said ceiling andsaid source cannot be directly viewed, said reflective surfacereflecting light from said source and onto a projection surface adjacentsaid trap, wherein said trap creates an illumination area upon saidprojection surface.
 57. A method of catching insects, comprising: a)providing the insect trap of claim 56; b) moving said housing of saidtrap so as to expose said adhesive sheet; and c) replacing said adhesivesheet when said surface becomes substantially covered with insects. 58.The trap of claim 56, further comprising shiny reflection means whichare located within said housing and which reflect light from saidsource.
 59. The trap of claim 56, wherein said reflective surface is atan angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to an angle of said basesurface.
 60. The trap of claim 56, wherein said reflective surface is acurved surface.
 61. The trap of claim 56, wherein said reflectivesurface comprises a bottom wall.
 62. The trap of claim 56, wherein atleast a portion of said adhesive sheet is substantially vertical.
 63. Amethod of attracting and killing insects, comprising the steps of: a)installing an insect trap upon a horizontal surface and proximate aprojection surface, wherein said insect trap has an opening facing saidprojection surface; b) installing an immobilization means within saidtrap; and c) reflecting light onto said projection surface to form anillumination area.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein said horizontalsurface is a ceiling.
 65. The method of claim 63, wherein saidhorizontal surface is a portable support means.
 66. The method of claim63, further comprising the step of applying an insecticide proximatesaid trap.
 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step ofapplying an insecticide proximate said illumination area.
 68. The methodof claim 64, further comprising the step of applying an insectattractant chemical proximate said trap.